Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.

Disclosed herein are cosmetic compositions containing stem cell secreted proteins that, in a cosmetic amount, are effective to enhance appearance of photo-damaged, or aged, skin.

Methods for treating conditions by administration of placenta derived adherent stromal cells to a subject in thereof are provided. Such conditions include skeletal muscle defects, neuropathic pain, and myocardial infarction. Also provided are methods wherein the adherent stromal cells administered are cultured under 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional growth conditions. Also provided are methods in which the cells administered are at least 70% adherent cells from a maternal or fetal portion of the placenta.

The generation of complex organ tissues from human embryonic and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) remains a major challenge for translational studies. It is shown that PSCs can be directed to differentiate into intestinal tissue in vitro by modulating the combinatorial activities of several signaling pathways in a step-wise fashion, effectively recapitulating in vivo fetal intestinal development. The resulting intestinal organoids were three-dimensional structures consisting of a polarized, columnar epithelium surrounded by mesenchyme that included a smooth muscle-like layer. The epithelium was patterned into crypt-like SOX9-positive proliferative zones and villus-like structures with all of the major functional cell types of the intestine. The culture system is used to demonstrate that expression of NEUROG3, a pro-endocrine transcription factor mutated in enteric anendocrinosis is sufficient to promote differentiation towards the enteroendocrine cell lineage. In conclusion, PSC-derived human intestinal tissue should allow for unprecedented studies of human intestinal development, homeostasis and disease.

A novel tissue usable for a kidney tissue model is provided. A method for producing a kidney-like tissue includes co-culturing a cell group containing mesenchymal stem cells, vascular endothelial cells, and clonal embryonic kidney cells.

Systems, compositions, and methods for the treatment of a liver disorder is disclosed. The systems, compositions, and methods include use of activated T regulatory cells for alleviating, treating, or reducing a liver disorder. The T regulatory cells may be allogeneic T regulatory cells that may be present in an amount of about 510.sup.5 to 210.sup.6 cells. The liver disorder needing treatment may be hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, acute liver disease, or liver failure.

In the context of a stem cell-based therapy in which differentiated cells are derived from pluripotent stem cells, this application discloses approaches for eliminating residual pluripotent stem cells that may remain in a batch of differentiated progeny cells. This advantageously prevents the formation of teratoma tumors when the differentiated cells are eventually used for the therapy. This can be accomplished by exposing the batch of differentiated progeny cells and the residual pluripotent stem cells to an alternating electric field for a period of time. The frequency and field strength of the alternating electric field are such that the pluripotent stem cells die off as a result of exposure to the alternating electric fields, while the differentiated cells remain substantially unharmed. This results in a purified batch of differentiated progeny cells that is rendered safe for use in the stem cell-based therapy.

Methods for treating conditions by administration of placenta derived adherent stromal cells to a subject in thereof are provided. Such conditions include skeletal muscle defects, neuropathic pain, and myocardial infarction. Also provided are methods wherein the adherent stromal cells administered are cultured under 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional growth conditions. Also provided are methods in which the cells administered are at least 70% adherent cells from a maternal or fetal portion of the placenta.

The present invention relates generally to the field of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and to the creation of cloned animals and cells. The disclosure relates to a method of cloning a mammal, obtaining pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells, or for reprogramming a mammalian cell using an oocyte and a fertilized embryo.

Methods for derivation, culture, and maturation of small hepatic progenitor cells are described.